Bespoke Tales. A Study in Red
Rhys James
An engagement ring created to mark a marriage between a sommelier and a winemaker.
At its centre, a deep red 8.53 carat Asscher cut rhodolite, flanked by trapezoid baguette diamonds and set in platinum.
Created in 2018 for Christopher Crawford and Melanie Chester, the piece reflects a shared world shaped by wine, nuance and a deep appreciation for colour and form.
The composition draws quietly from that world. The platinum mount offers a restrained setting, allowing the centre stone to reveal its character. A rich purplish red with depth and movement that shifts subtly with the light.
There is a natural affinity between stone and story. Sourced from Tanzania, the rhodolite carries a distinctive tonal richness, brought to life through the geometry of the Asscher cut. Under certain light, flashes of violet emerge. A quiet complexity that rewards attention.
The reference to wine is not literal, but felt. As with terroir, origin and environment shape the final expression. Here, cut, colour and context come together in balance.
A piece defined not only by its materials, but by the meaning it holds.
R